Montgomery Parks is offering numerous programs and events to celebrate October. Here’s a guide to what’s available throughout the month.
Oct. 7 and Oct. 8: Cider Pressing: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Montgomery Parks’ cider pressing event offers individuals a unique experience in creating their own cider from scratch. Additionally, the program teaches the history of cider making and runs in hour-long increments. Registration is required for ages three and older and costs $8. Cider pressing takes place at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, Md.
Oct. 12: Nature Journaling 5:00-6:00 p.m. and 6:00-7:00 p.m.: Ages 14 and older can register for Nature Journaling, which teaches individuals how to connect with the natural world through the art of nature journaling. The event costs seven dollars and takes place at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, Md.
Oct. 12: Daytime Owl Prowl: 10:30-11:30 a.m.: The Daytime Owl Prowl is designed to educate children and parents about wildlife by participating in explorations and games. Registration required. Ages 3–5 for $6. The event is located at Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville, Md.
Oct. 13: Yoga for caregivers: 10-11:30 a.m.: Parents can enjoy an hour-long session of outdoor yoga while their children explore the nature center with a naturalist. Registration is required for one child and an adult. The cost is $50 and takes place at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, Md.
Oct. 13: Pumpkin Painting: 6:30-8:00 p.m.: Enjoy a nice evening pumpkin painting. Registration is required for ages 18 and over and is $10. The event takes place at Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Md.
Oct. 14: Night Hike: 7:30-8:30 a.m.: Ages six and older take a hike through Maydale Nature Classroom, exploring the sights and sounds of fall. The price of admission is three dollars and is held at Maydale Nature Classroom, 1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville, Md. Link to register:
Oct. 15: Outdoor Skills: Shelter Building For Women and Non-Binary Individuals: 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.: An important lesson on shelter building, including choosing materials, a site, and many other facets of creating shelter. Registration is for ages 16 and older and is 20 dollars. Take part in this event at Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, Md.
Oct. 17: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.: A special trip to the Museum of the Shenandoah in Winchester, Va. Participants will visit Glen Burnie House and hike various trails. Registration is $60 and the event takes place at Black Hill Nature Programs, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, Md.
Oct. 18 and Oct. 25: Trail Buddies: 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Make new friends along the trails in Wheaton Regional Park. Registration is seven dollars and the event takes place at Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Md.
Oct. 18: Spooky Teen to Adult Trivia Night: 6:00-7:00 p.m.: Quizmaster Jenn will host a spooky nature-themed trivia night at Meadowside Nature Center for ages 14 and older. This event is free but requires registration.
Oct. 20. Not so “Scary” Movie Night: 6:00-7:30 p.m.: The Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville hosts a not-so-scary movie night. The event includes a snack and craft and costs $5 to attend. Ages 7 and older can register.
Oct. 21: Beginning Birding For Every Body: 9:00-10:00 a.m.: Ages 18 and older have the opportunity to learn basic birding skills. Registration is required and costs $7. The event takes place at Brookside Nature Center, 1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Md.
Oct. 21: American Sign Language Family Fishing: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Lake Needwood hosts an American Sign Language introduction to family fishing with a park naturalist. All participants must be 16 years of age or older and have a current Maryland fishing license. Registration is 12 dollars and the event is held at Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, Md.
Oct. 22: Nature Center Pop-Up: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Participant who register for free get the chance to talk with a naturalist, explore natural objects, or try various other biology-based activities. All ages are welcome for this event at Long Branch Arliss Neighborhood Park, 8810 Garland Avenue, Silver Spring, Md.
Oct. 22: Spooky Skull Hike: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Ages 3-12 get a chance at a unique hike. The hike through the woods at Maydale Nature Classroom provides clues for children to find hidden animal skulls. Participants also receive a Halloween treat after finding all skulls or wearing a costume. Registration is required and admission is $2.
Oct. 25: Sustainability Day: Sunrise Stretch at the Sycamore: 6:00 – 7:00 a.m.: Participate in slow-flow yoga under Locust Grove’s Sycamore Tree. The price of admission is $20, and ages 18 and older may register.
Oct. 26: Web Walk: 10:30- 11:30 a.m.: Search and learn about spiders. The event costs $6 and ages 3-5 can register to attend at Maydale Nature Classroom.
Oct. 28: Witchy Paddle: 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.: Get out your costumes because this special event is a costumed paddle of Little Seneca Lake. Participants must bring their own boat or paddleboard and safety gear. The paddle begins at 5:30 p.m., with a campfire to follow. Registration is required but free.
“Visit the Fall 2023 Montgomery Parks Program Guide. Go to Montgomery Parks event calendar for a complete list of special events and programming and to learn how to sign up using ActiveMontgomery.”
